2027: NDC names gov candidates in 12 states, denies regional party claims
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has dismissed reports claiming that it lacks governorship candidates in 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the allegation as false and politically motivated.
The party, in a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, insisted that it had nominated candidates for all 28 states where governorship elections are expected to be held in 2027.
Director said the reports questioning its presence in some states were aimed at undermining what it described as its growing national momentum.
He said, “The NDC has been shocked to discover a false story and deliberate propaganda circulating in sections of the media and on social media claiming that the NDC does not have governorship candidates in 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We state categorically that this claim is false, malicious, a lie from the pit of hell, and intended to mislead Nigerians and undermine the growing momentum of the NDC nationwide.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NDC has duly nominated and has governorship candidates in all the 28 states where governorship elections will take place in 2027.”
The party also rejected suggestions that it was confined to any particular region, maintaining that it had structures, candidates and supporters across the country.
“Our party is fully prepared, fully structured, and fully on the ground in every state of the federation. The NDC is not a regional party. We are a national movement with candidates, structures, and supporters in all 36 states and the FCT,” the statement added.
To counter the claim that it had yet to produce governorship candidates in 12 states, the NDC released a list of its candidates for the affected states.
The party named Senator Kabiru Marafa for Zamfara; retired Rear Admiral Ibrahim Sanusi Kasim for Borno; Hon. John Odey for Cross River; and Babanta Michael Okon for Akwa Ibom.
Others listed were Nwofe Boniface (Ebonyi); Yakubu Ndam (Plateau); Ilu-Barde Aliyu (Katsina); Umar Besse (Kebbi); Jonga Gabakau (Yobe); Dutse Sani (Jigawa); Prof Yahaya Sani (Taraba); and Abdu Sidi Bomi (Niger State).
The development comes as political parties and emerging political movements intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, despite the formal electioneering period still being ahead.
However, the NDC urged journalists and media organisations to verify political claims before publishing them, warning that the circulation of unverified information could undermine public confidence in the media and the electoral process.
The party further said it was positioning itself as an alternative to Nigeria’s established political order, promising to prioritise security, employment and accountability if elected in 2027.
“Nigerians are tired of the old order. They are tired of recycled failures. The NDC is the preferred party to salvage Nigeria. With credible candidates, a clear manifesto, and a commitment to security, jobs, and accountability, we are ready to rescue and rebuild this nation in 2027.
“We call on all Nigerians to join the movement. The rescue mission has started,” Director added.
